Apr 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Van Loan Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Van Loan Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Montessori Education


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Bachelor of Science in Psychology 

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 42-course, 126-credit degree. This program is designed to offer small classes and balanced coursework. The curriculum provides a broad back- ground in the liberal arts and sciences, research skills, and the understanding of human behavior. Within the Psychology program, students will study how human behavior changes from infancy through old age. Students will learn how to critically evaluate research often reported in the popular media. Students will also be introduced to research techniques such as survey construction and systematic observation, which they will find useful in the workplace. Specific areas of human behavior such as behavior disorders, counseling techniques, and forensic psychology are examined through a choice of psychology electives.

Concentration in Montessori Education

The Montessori Education Concentration is a 6 course, 18 credit specialization that focuses on issues relevant to educators who specialize in the Montessori method. This is an interdisciplinary specialization that focuses on providing students with an expanded knowledge of the cultural context in which Montessori Education is situated. 

The Concentration in Montessori Education will be open to all students enrolled in our BA program in Liberal Studies and our BS Program in Psychology. These concentration courses will replace corresponding open elective credit requirements.

Program of Study


Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in academic discourse within the psychology discipline.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • Communicate effectively within the conventions of the discipline.
  • Design, execute, and present a personal project, which synthesizes and applies selected knowledge, skills, and experiences appropriate to the students’ personal and professional goals and/or their chosen area of specialization.

In addition to fulfilling the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, students completing the concentration in Montessori Education will:

  • Enhance student writing and critical thinking regarding the Montessori Method
  • Develop skills in action research
  • Identify and describe intrinsic motivation as it applies to themselves as teachers and students
  • Understanding the role of democracy in establishing the current public and private education system
  • Assess the influence of culture on educational objectives

Required Curriculum


World Cultures Course - 3 cr.
Aesthetic Awareness & Creative Expression Course - 3 cr.
Literary Perspectives Course - 3 cr.
Values & Ethical Reasoning Course - 3 cr.
Science & Technology Courses - 3 cr.
Global Issues Course - 3 cr.
Core Electives - 6 cr. (Must be two 300 level or higher)
Psychology Major Electives - 6 cr. 
Open Electives - 39 cr. 

Total Number of Credits Required for Concentration - 18 credits


Total Degree Requirements - 126 credits


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